We may be a small country but we’re a great one too: the country of Shakespeare, Churchill, The Beatles, Sean Connery, Harry Potter, David Beckham’s right foot… David Beckham’s left foot, come to that.

– Hugh Grant in Love Actually

And, what can be the best time to come to London than Christmas. Plan to spend Christmas in London. There’s plenty of Christmas fun and frolics to keep kids, young and old entertained, as the atmosphere of a lovely Christmas is in the air. There is much to explore and experience. Following are the exciting things to do in Christmas in London:

Westminster Abbey:

Pack inside one of London’s most famous landmarks for an old-fashioned service to take you right through to Christmas Day. Westminster Abbey has been at the center of royal and religious life in Britain since the time of William the Conqueror who was crowned here on Christmas Day 1066, following the successful Norman invasion of the British Isles. More recently, it was where Prince William and Catherine Middleton chose to get married. It’s easy to lose sight of what Christmas is all about in the sea of commercialization, but sitting in the majestic history of the Abbey’s nave will help remind you of the religious message. These awe-inspiring surroundings provide a striking backdrop for an evening of lessons and carols. Best to book in for the Services of Lessons & Carols on Monday 23rd December at 6pm and Christmas Eve at 4pm which are especially popular and require (free) tickets.

Tower of London:

It is the season to be jolly and where better to spend this festive season than at the Tower of London. This medieval fortress will be alive over the Christmas period with an array of events to keep the whole family entertained. From Christmas festivities with the king to ice skating in the moat there is no better time to visit this historic royal palace.

Don’t miss the unique opportunity to skate in the Tower of London’s 1000 year old moat. Spectacular in the winter morning sun or beautifully illuminated after dark. Join in the heart of the City with colleagues, clients, friends or family for a special experience on the ice this Christmas.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 2013

Hyde Park gets glammed up once again with its annual Christmassy additions. The park will be kitted out with rides and attractions, including a Giant Observation Wheel and two circuses, plus the famous ice rink. The market sells decorative sweets and festive treats as well as traditional German crafts and lashings of glühwein.

Fleet Street Carols

Welcome Christmas in a traditional style with carols – led by Director of Music Robert Jones and the St Bride’s Choir – at the wonderful ‘journalists’ church’ on Fleet Street. There will be a Christmas tree and candles, as well as mulled wine and mince pies.

Ice Skating at The Natural History Museum

With its grand Christmas tree, festive music and Christmas market stalls, ice skating at The Natural History Museum is certain to get you in the festive spirit. Grab a group of friends and combine a day of history with a night of fun on the ice.

Meet Santa at London Zoo- Regent’s Park

Ever fancied getting up close and personal with Rudolph or Dasher or Blitzen? Well now you can at the reindeer lodge at Regent’s Park. And finish off a magical day with a trip around Santa’s grotto. Also included in the Meet Santa experience, kids will be able to lend a hand at the daily Keeper’s Little Helpers sessions, where they’ll be preparing treats and presents for the Zoo’s animals before settling down for storytelling with Mother Christmas.

Half way down Oxford Street you can take a right on to Regent Street and visit the legendary Hamleys toy shop. Join in the Christmas magic by having Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Tea, High Tea or Dinner with Father Christmas! Father Christmas’ Elves will welcome guests, making them feel extra special and entertaining them throughout! There will be scrumptious food and Christmas activities to enjoy. Each little guest will have an individual chat with Father Christmas, hearing tales of Lapland and magical stories of Christmas. Then, when it’s time for Father Christmas to leave, his special guests will receive a small gift to take home.

The Nutcracker – Royal Opera House

Visit one of the best-loved ballet productions to really get you in the mood. The Nutcracker comes back to the capital every year and tells the story of Clara, who creeps downstairs one Christmas Eve to find that her toys have come to life.

Cruise down the River Thames on Christmas Day and see London at its most peaceful! Gliding past top London attractions, like the London Eye and Big Ben, you’ll experience the city free from its normal crowds. A truly elegant way to spend Christmas, the cruise takes you along the river from Westminster Pier to Greenwich and then back again while you relax in style with a sumptuous 3-course Christmas lunch.

Escape the hustle and bustle of London on Boxing Day — the hectic shopping day after Christmas — and take a day trip to Warwick Castle, Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford to immerse yourself in England’s rich beauty, history and culture. On this Boxing Day tour, travel back to medieval times as you explore Warwick Castle and then visit Stratford-upon-Avon to see the home of William Shakespeare and enjoy a traditional English lunch. Journey through the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and finish with a tour of historic Oxford, home to world-famous Oxford University and a major filming site for the Harry Potter films.